Crisper air. Pumpkin everything. And the distinct urge to switch up our nails. Does fall ever arrive quietly? Not for us manicure lovers. September is the beginning of all that: the cosier fabrics, the darker colours and the urge to leave the neon pastels of summer behind in favour of something more grounded. But which designs are actually worth trying this season? What ones make your hands feel styled, not painted?
These are the trends worth bookmarking (or saving to your “Fall Nails 2025” board). You can choose the almond-shaped glamour or the square-cut pragmatism and get something that suits your style and your length, too. Let’s get into it.
Earthy Marble Swirls with a Hint of Gold
This design is simply like September in a bottle of a manicure. The spiral colors of mossy green, seafoam, and soft beige dance together as the early fall leaves in a breeze. It has motion in the design the kind that makes you stop a second longer than normal. Some fine gold lines run around the edges like lines of light making the entire appearance modern chic with a relaxed and sophisticated air. It is an almond shape that looks good on almost any hand, and the color story is even more dimensional with the glossy finish. It’s the kind of set you want when you’re easing out of summer but not quite ready to dive into full-on autumn.
To achieve this look, I would use Olive & June as the background on the mossy colors, and Cirque Colors WD to get that swipe of metallic gold. A fine-tipped detail brush and a little patience are really beneficial in the swirling effect. There is no hurry here; this set lives off that atmospheric, painterly feel.
At-home duplication of this would begin with a milky base color to generate contrast. Next, with a small liner brush, draw light swirls in different shades of green, some thicker, some thinner, and add some cream or nude accents to them. The gold detailing is the last you want to do, as it will get mixed up. Celeb nail artist Betina Goldstein is an advocate of dotting gold foil, or applying striping tape to be more exact with metallics, which is stunning here.
The design, as it actually turns out, brings me back to the matcha latte phase that I had last fall, the same earthy, calming color scheme that makes one feel composed without overdoing it. It is a little wink towards nature, and I adore how traditional it looks despite it being in fashion.
Matte Forest and Rose Chrome Chic
This combination is somehow unexpectedly romantic: soft nude and edgy chrome and velvet forest green. The contrasting textures matte deep green, creamy pink and glossy chrome add a layering effect to this set. It is clean, it is minimalist, yet not dull in a second. That tiny curve of rose gold along the tips? Everything. The sharp-soft contrast is balanced in this design with such perfectness, and the almond shape contributes to the greater contrast.
Chrome powders are needed here, I prefer the reflectiveness of Daily Charme, in the shade of Rose Gold Chrome Dust, and the velvet forest green matte base of Essie, in the shade of Off Tropic. And don?t overlook a matte top coat such as the one by OPI to mellow things where you want them.
Begin by applying your base shapes in the pink and green polish alternating the fingers. On the chrome use a no wipe gel top coat, cure it and then buff in your chrome pigment. Apply with a sponge-tipped applicator to be very accurate, particularly near those curly ends. Celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik vows by the use of chrome on top of lighter pinks to bring out the rose tones and now I understand why.
I had something similar on at an engagement dinner a few months ago in September and, frankly, in this outfit I felt like the most stylish version of myself ever– like I was a woman who belonged in a rooftop bar with a cinnamon-spiced cocktail. 10/10, would repeat.
Yellow Pop with Bold Black Curves
This set? This one’s for the brave. It is short, it is square, and it is not kidding around with that electric yellow. The negative space makes it even bolder-as though a graphic designer acquired a nail brush. The thick black lines, which are curved and written on a transparent foundation, make the yellow shine more and introduce significant Pinterest power. It is one of those styles that resemble a streetwear campaign. Just because it is fall does not mean it has to be dulled down- this shows us its not.
To create this appearance, you will need a very pigmented yellow (I would recommend using Lights Lacquer in Suns Up) and a clean black (I would recommend using Essie in Licorice). A striping brush is non-negotiable here. Gel polish will provide you with that clear distinction between the colors without smearing.
At home the best method to do this is to draw the curved black lines in with your striping brush, cure or dry thoroughly, and then fill the yellow into the space left. To add some extra dimension, add a nude sheer base. This type of style appears to be labor intensive but can be done quickly with the proper equipment.
I would wear it when I want my nails to speak what I am not feeling like saying, confident, artistic, not at all shy. Bonus: the style looks amazing on square short nails, which, as of fall 2025, are all over.
Vampy Red Drip Drama
Okay, this one? She’s the drama. These are dark cherry almond-shaped nails crying out to say, I am ready to celebrate the spooky season. The drooping red accessory adds serious Halloween glamour, and yet is chic enough to wear throughout the month of September. It is that just-right gloomy transition between warm summer reds and something more dark and brash. Slick, luxurious and slightly naughty — the atmosphere is undoubtedly cool.
Bordeaux Babe by DND is a dream when it comes to that blood-red shade. The drip effect should be done with a fine dotting tool or thin brush. A semi-sheer pink base is also required – I like Bare With Me by Orly.
Begin with your sheer foundation, then when dry or cured, with a fine tool, dot the red polish towards the tips, then drag downward to give the appearance of the drip. Allow it to gather itself to appear organic rather than drawn. As Refinery 29 once put it, drip nails are the grown-up version of goth glam, and this collection is guaranteed to show that.
I must confess, a blood-drip manicure seemed too scary to attempt, but when I finally tried it, it was like an entire autumn aesthetic has opened up to me. I wore it with a berry-colored lip and a large knit scarf. Instant main character energy.
Plaid Schoolgirl Nostalgia Meets Dark Academia
This collection has back-to-school vibe, just take it to the next level. The tartan is accurate, neatly painted and combined with an old-fashioned deep green that is warm, earthy and somehow enigmatic. If you’ve been loving the “dark academia” aesthetic or are simply obsessed with fall fashion (plaid skirts, wool coats, lattes), this set is calling your name. It is also easy to wear daily due to its short, rounded shape.
And you will need a liner brush and patience in a ton as to the plaid. I would use Hunter by Zoya to do the green, Sand Tropez by Essie to do the base, and Mahogany Magic by China Glaze to add depth to the stripes that intersect.
And the DIY-ers, paint two nails solid green. With the rest, build a nude base and then add the horizontal and vertical stripes alternating with shades using striping brushes. To avoid dragging, use your top coat when all layers are dried. According to celebrity nail tech Miss Pop, plaid is best done in contrasting shades that are still warm, and she is not wrong.
I wore something similar when I was travelling in Vermont last fall, it was coordinated with my scarf and my mood and every maple latte I had. This style has that warm, bookish energy September loves.
Spiced Pumpkin with Wild Side
This is what I call a latte-and-leopard moment. Burnt orange is a fall color that is finally getting the attention it deserves, and in this case, it is taken to the next level by one accent nail that gives off a hint of safari. The cinnamon-colored foundation on the majority of the nails is creamy and cozy like a blanket in polish form, though that leopard print ring finger gives it a nice jolt of personality. It is almond-shaped, completely wearable, and it is so in tune with early autumn color schemes.
The orange tone reminds me of Cinnamon Girl by ILNP, a rich almost toasted tone. For the leopard detail, you can use a neutral beige polish like “Beige Babe” by Sally Hansen and add the spots with a dotting tool using black and dark brown polish (try “Black Onyx” and “Espresso Your Inner Self” by OPI).
At home, to achieve this look I tend to paint all the nails the base orange and then paint the top with the orange color. In the case of the leopard nail, apply the nude polish and allow it to dry. Next, randomly place irregular blobs of brown and outline some with a touch of black to give that leopard print effect. Celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec suggests that to have more control, you can use a fine detailing brush dipped into gel polish, and I couldn’t agree more, particularly when you are new to animal prints.
This set reminds me of a cozy bonfire night. It is not overdone yet it is bold and it goes so well with all the comfy browns and camel coats that are on the rotation these days.
Botanical Dreams in Contrast
This layout is just right in terms of being calm and impressive. Imagine a muffled leaf work combined with that one surprise of jet black and a jolt of tangerine. It is as though your mani was a story; a nature walk, a gallery wall. The olive green stems are placed deliberately and seem new and the long almond shape is not overdressed. Plus, that matte finish? I can’t stop staring.
This one you will need a thin liner brush and a good matte top coat. On the foliage, Olive You by Lights Lacquer is beautiful, and the matte orange could possibly be like Don t Be Spotted in the fall collection of Essie. To achieve the deep black, use DNDs Black Licorice, it has that graphic edge.
Should you do it yourself, draw the green leaves on a sheer pink base using a nail art brush. In order to soften foliage, top with matte top coat. To contrast, the orange and black nails have to be shiny: it actually makes the story go. I remember nail artist Hang Nguyen have once suggested mixing finishes in such a way to create a dimensional effect, and I was hooked ever since.
This is the one that seems to fit to the point of someone who is earthy but is not afraid of being bolder with touches. The best part? It transitions beautifully from warm to cooler fall days.
Cozy Sweater Texture in Soft Beige
This one is a true tactile fantasy. The texture 3D knit is reminiscent of a thick autumn sweater – and I swear, you almost feel warmer just wearing it. They keep everything tonal and neutral, which gives the design a secretly luxurious feeling. The convenient, rounded square shape contributes to its practicality but there is nothing here that is basic. It’s minimalist meets cozy-core in the best way possible.
At home, to recreate this, you will require a builder gel or 3D gel that is in the same shade as your base nude. Ballet Slippers by Essie can be used as a soft base and then apply a thicker gel with a nail art brush in layers to the sweater stitches. The final touch of matte top coat will keep the cozy texture visible.
The method is slightly time-consuming patience; I prefer to work one row of cable knit at a time, curing between to create the raised pattern. Nail artist Sarah Bland demonstrated this trick on IG with a dotting tool rather than a brush, which is useful when you prefer dots to lines.
I was wearing something similar on a weekend cabin trip and had more compliments than my real sweater. It is that sort of design that proclaims, I designed this, even when it was not so.
Soft Leopard French on Baby Pink
This style is what happens when delicate meets daring. The nude-pink creamy base keeps it all light and polished, whereas the leopard tips add the right amount of edge to feel interesting. It is a contemporary French manicure that remains outrageously on theme fall 2025. The squishy squareness takes the appearance up a notch to something a bit more polished, but definitely office-worthy, yet not dull.
To do the animal print, you will require a neutral base such as Fairy Tailor by Essie and a small dotting tool or detailing brush. Warm browns and blacks are the way to go to maintain a leopard that is subdued and traditional.
I prefer to use French guides or freehand that curve with a small brush in order to achieve that French-tip shape. Once the pink base is applied and has dried, you are able to tap on small areas with dark brown and outline them in black to bring out the leopard characteristic look. Allure once wrote that one can update a French with contrast-based tips, and it is so true in this case.
It is a collection that is like the beauty version of a neutral trench lined with leopard print. It is multi-purpose, yet with a hint of, yes, I am a bit wild when I want to be.
Gradient Wine Tones with Golden Edges
It’s giving fall sunset, wine flight, velvet lipstick energy. This ombrE set incorporates five deep shades – burgundy to dusty rose – all topped off with a delicate flourish of gold crescent at the cuticle. The gradient flow over the hand makes it look high and smooth and the almond shape that lengthening, almost editorial effect. The gold? A bit more magic to make this manicure even a bit royal.
To achieve this gloomy color palette, you can experiment with such shades as “In Stitches” and “Angora Cardi” of Essie as well as “Wicked” of the same brand. In terms of the gold accents, a striping brush loaded with gold foil gel or nail tape is good. I promise by the ORLY Instant Artist Gold Gel Liner as a precise liner.
Apply a different tone of paint on each nail, lightest to darkest, and when they are dry, apply your gold half-moons carefully. One tip I got from manicurist Rita Remark: trace a perfect arc with a round paper reinforcement sticker. Works every time.
I once wore this to a fall wedding and had people asking me whether it was a press-on set of some cool European brand. It was not–a little refinement, time, and that enchantment of warm colors and metallic glitter.
Molten Metals with Smoky Feather Detail
This compilation ticks all the boxes in case you want to feel some drama. It is like a structured coat with silky lining on the inside, same on the outside, lavish on the inside. The combination of the matte pewter, satin copper and glossy black is a fine touch but it is that detailed feather-like accent that truly sets it to the next level. It is broody and stylish, the sort of autumn dinner in a rooftop restaurant.
In order to achieve this effect, you will need polishes with deep pigment and metallic finish. My favourites are Penny Talk by Essie because of the copper and Steel My Heart by OPI because of that gunmetal satin. The feather detail? Attempt a very fine striping brush and apply black gel paint to layer over a neutral base carefully.
Begin with painting your base colors, alternating black, bronze and grey. When dry, construct your feather with curved lines on top of one another in a way that is light. To add additional texture, you may soften the edges by using a dry brush. Elle Gerstein, a nail pro, once claimed that a matte and gloss layering in a single mani looked luxurious, and this is an evidence.
This is what I wear when I want to get dressed up but not too fancy and very seasonal, it is age-appropriate but not too traditional.
Earth Tones with Abstract Fall Touches
This set is pure sweater weather in manicure form. It is an autumn color scheme in a luxurious chocolate and olive hue, with a speckled cream and foiled gold finish. The almond shape brings some softness to it so it remains wearable, and the slight difference on each nail makes it look like a mood board of carefully selected images. This can go with almost any fall outfit and still shine through.
At least four contrasting polishes will be what you are going to want, think, You Don t Know Jacques by OPI, Sagebrush by Orly, neutral cream base and metallic gold foil. You can dab those flecks of gold with a sponge, or use transfer foil to get more pop.
Paint your base colors on alternating nails allowing deeper tones to prevail. The speckled and foiled nails should be done by using a dotting tool soaked in watered-down polish to create the splatter effect and then seal it using a glossy top coat. Editorial stylist Miss Pop and nail artist reminds that the unexpected textures (specks or foil) will help to interrupt monochrome looks, particularly, in fall hues.
A barista last year asked me where I had them done, after I wore a similar set to a farmer market. There’s something irresistibly cozy but cool about this one.
Copper Chrome Meets Leafy Minimalism
It is one of those fall styles that are bold and subtle at the same time. The copper chrome of the mirror-like finish reflects the light with each movement, and the pattern of leaves on a transparent ground makes the entire effect softer. Combined with the traditional rust-red polish, it is reminiscent of the visual experience of stepping on the crunchy leaves during the golden hour.
To work with the chrome, you want a no-wipe top coat and a copper chrome pigment, I used a pigment called Copper Flame by Daily Charme, it is beautiful. Then add a rust polish such as the Essie polish in the color Playing Koi and a warm nude on the leaves. Apply the foliage with a fine detailing brush, consider it more of drawing than painting.
Apply your rust and nude nails and then put your chrome on the specified fingers. In the art, draw the thin shapes of leaves and fill with translucent polish to give the effect of layers. Celeb nail artist Queenie Nguyen pro tip: one of the easiest ways to achieve a designer finish is by combining metallics and negative space.
You know, when you can not decide what to put first – art or shine – this style is your solution. It strikes the mood and looks good literally in any angle.
Sunflowers & Spots — Late Fall Whimsy
This one is pure joy. Spots of leopard are paired with sunflower flowers in a manicure that is pure dopamine. It could be a bit on the playful side, however, with a matte base and almond length it remains elevated and completely Instagram-worthy. It is like the final warm golden week of fall- when the sun still shocks in the afternoon and you are not yet prepared to lose the brightness.
You’ll need a matte top coat, a nude base (like “Tulle” by Zoya), and yellow, brown, and black detailing polish. For the flowers and the leopard shapes use dotting tools or small brushes. It works because of the contrast between soft and statement.
Begin by applying the nude matte base on all the nails. Then interchange dotted out sunflower petals and leopard prints on every nail or you can do both to make it more fun. Nail influencer Amy Le once stated that matte florals are taking over early fall 2025 and I am already convinced.
Would I wear this for brunch with friends? Absolutely. Yet it seems also the type of glance that might transform a ho-hum sweater into a complete outfit.
Maple Leaves & Chocolate Gloss
We will conclude with something more poetic literally a set that seems like a love letter to the season. Deep glossy burgundy combines with creamy blush and then those fine metallic leaves appear as pressed leaves in a journal. The little rhinestone on the accent nail is not a distraction, it actually ties the entire design together in a refined glamor manner. It’s romantic, timeless, and a little vintage.
Find a deep plum or cocoa colored polish such as Lincoln Park After Dark by OPI, creamy blush pink base such as Sheers to You, and gold or copper leaf nail stickers or decals. Place a couple of rhinestones or small pearls with a nail gem glue and cover with a high gloss top coat.
Apply the pink base and then place your leaf decals flat with the tweezers and then cure or dry. In the case of the gems, use a dot of adhesive and press into position and cure. This is a set that appears complex yet requires less time than full-hand nail art.
I have done something like this once a year in November, and I never tire of it. It is soft to wear daily, but it reflects the light so slightly that people compliment you in the grocery store line. That’s the sweet spot, isn’t it?
Caramel Fade for Crisp Coffee Days
There’s something undeniably grounding about this rich, gradient brown. It is not very dramatic but it states I see you, September. The creamy nude base to that warm coffee brown tip is a smooth transition that is just perfect when you have a jacket on in the morning and sleeves rolled up in the afternoon. The shininess adds sophisticated accents to the otherwise comforting color scheme. It is a mood that goes with a trench coat and a messy bun.
To re-create this at home, I would grab OPI in the shade of Bare My Soul as the base and then over that I would apply a milk chocolate shade, such as Espresso Your Inner Self, toward the tips. Apply it with a makeup sponge to have that buttery smooth ombr blend. It requires a bit of patience but is worth it to get a set of nails that looks much more expensive than it is.
This is the kind of mani that gets compliments when you’re just holding your phone. I had something like this last fall, and my barista asked me what shade it was. Twice. It has a simplicity that still reads very current.
Cherry Blossom Drama on Crimson Velvet
People are now rocking the fall florals and this design is giving it in style. The deep cherry red base instantly causes the hand to appear classy and affluent, as if it were the red lipstick equivalent of nail polish. Then the little pink flowers come along and mellow all out. It is moody and romantic and to be honest I did not think I would love it as much as I do.
To pull this look off, you’ll want a true blood red gel base (I love Sally Hansen’s “Wine Not”) and a fine nail art brush. The flowers may be painted using a light pink such as Essie Fiji and a dotting tool to create the petals. Complete the centers using a bit of gold foil or gem in case you are extra like me.
This design is best on almond shaped nails and needs a certain length to allow those petals to breathe. I tested it on my cousin as a wedding guest and it literally made her ring selfies pop. Floral for fall? Absolutely — when it’s this bold.
Muted Matte with a Touch of Tortoiseshell
This set might just be my current obsession. It combines the basics of minimalism matte olive green, matte navy and adds in one wild-card nail, tortoiseshell French tip. The colors don’t fight each other, they flirt. It is a well-edited, neat aesthetic that is somehow editorial and wearable.
To get that matte texture right, start with regular polish and then apply a matte topcoat (Essie’s “Matte About You” is my go-to). The tortoiseshell tip is not as difficult as it sounds, simply apply a translucent amber base, and using a detail brush swirl on the black and brown. Put a high-gloss topcoat on the tip only to contrast.
I have attempted the same last November and the matte finish actually impressed me, it did not chip as much as I thought it would. The coloring is mix-and-match so it is not too serious like full Skittles mani. And navy and green are fall such sleepers. Who knew?
Gothic Botanica with Gold Foil Vines
This is the set that shouts fall after dark. Matte black nails painted with gold botanical detailing — and yes, a golden skull if you’re brave. This look is not soft. It’s sculptural, dramatic, and unapologetically extra. The matte foundation, however, keeps it down to earth, and the gold accents provide a touch of luxury without being all Halloween.
You will need a nice matte black gel foundation such as the Noir Disturbia by CND, and some gold foil or a gold nail stamping kit to do the leaves. The skull may be a sticker or a stamping plate Amazon has loads of these at this time of year. Just make sure the nails are longer (think coffin shape) to give the design enough room to breathe.
There is garden haunted energy in this set, and I am into it. A black outfit and gold accessories would be so chic. Or a Halloween party where you want to look like that girl without wearing a costume. Would I wear this for apple picking? Maybe not. For a rooftop date night with a leather jacket? Absolutely.
Golden Wheat on Soft Charcoal
Short nails are not immune to drama, and this style shows it. The unexpected elegance is a soft charcoal matte with delicate golden wheat decorations. It’s cozy but polished, earthy but luxurious. The warm gold on the cool-tone gray gives this a feel of what you would see in the fall issue of an indie fashion magazine.
This is my go-to when I want short, round nails which I can type and text all day through. On the base, one can use polish such as Zoya polish, Tieran. The wheat pattern can either be created using metallic gold striping polish or stamping plate. Seal it with a matte finish topcoat to seal everything.
I had something similar in the fall last year when I wanted to take a break with long nails, and it actually made me feel more efficient, although cute. It’s the kind of manicure that doesn’t scream for attention but still gets noticed when you’re reaching for your latte.
Metallic Forest Green for Bold Fall Energy
This deep emerald chrome is the definition of mood. It’s luxurious without being too loud, bold without screaming. The finish has a light touch to it so it is magical and looks like the glint on the leaves that fall after rain. On almond-shaped nails, it makes the fingers longer and gives it this magical, editorial stature. Frankly, it is just like a fall fairytale in a manicure.
If you want this intense metallic payoff, I’d recommend the shade “Stay Off the Lawn!” by OPI, layered with a chrome powder like the one from Daily Charme in Emerald Green. Finish it off by sealing it in with a no-wipe gel topcoat to keep the mirror finish nice and clean. This face requires that almond shape to truly shine — the curves reflect the light in such a gratifying manner.
A variant of this is what I wore to a friend engagement party in early September and received so many compliments by strangers. Green is the new black this season, and it is everywhere (clothing, beauty, etc.), nails are the best way to incorporate it without thinking too hard about it.
Retro Grid Meets Pop Art Red
This one’s cheeky. Vintage vibes are given by clean white polish with a black grid base, and the abstract red blobs? Totally 2025. It’s giving Mondrian meets modern Instagram baddie. The combination of order and anarchy is so playful, and the red steals the show without the need of glitz or glamour.
This is a more skilled DIY, although it can be done with patience. Start with a crisp white base (try “Blanc” by Essie). Apply a grid design by using a striping brush or a stamping plate. The red blobs can be drawn free hand with a dotting tool with a cherry color such as Sally Hansen Red-iance. It is all finished off with a shiny topcoat.
I love nail art that has something to say. This is not the safe one, it is artsy, it is fun, and it makes a statement. It makes me think of that one friend that has the coolest earrings. If you’re into creative expression, this one’s for you.
Mocha Chrome Drips on a Glossy Nude Canvas
Let’s talk about elegance with an edge. These sharp beauties merge a transparent nude base with shiny dark brown chrome drips, just flawlessly carved, almost like melted chocolate. The result is sultry, almost sensual, without being overt. Magically, the design fits snugly to the nail bed and extends the hand. It’s sophisticated, but just the right amount of spicy.
To make this at home, begin with nude sheer such as Bubble Bath by OPI. Then outline the drip edges with a chocolate chrome gel using a fine nail art brush and fill in between steps to keep the definition clean. A non-wipe topcoat keeps the drips looking juicy.
I could tell it on a person on their way to a September launch or sipping wine at an art gallery opening. It’s got personality, but it doesn’t shout. The almond-stiletto shape makes it even more elegant. A true fall power move.
Espresso French with a Midnight Tip
Brown nails are a must this fall and this variation adds in just the right drama. The body is composed of rich, warm espresso colors, and the sharp black French tip puts the finishing exclamation point. The almond shape helps to make the contrast less harsh, more of a cool girl than a corporate girl.
You will need a dark brown foundation, and an inky black such as Licorice by Essie on the tips. Follow French manicure stencils or do freehand using a thin brush to give it an editorial look. Put high gloss on them, particularly on the black tips in order to keep them crisp.
I use this one when I need to feel a bit higher. It’s bold but not overwhelming. And it combines with just about everything in a fall wardrobe, whether it is cozy knits or structured coats.
Latte Marble That Looks Like Art
It is all about wearable artwork in Fall 2025, and this is a masterpiece. The gentle swirls of taupe, camel, and coffee cream are soft on each nail, and they add a marbled effect which is organic and infinitely fascinating. The semi-translucent base lets the colors flow like brushstrokes. Like a cinnamon latte at golden hour, nonchalant yet well put together.
To replicate this appearance, apply various colors to a nail palette – I would choose Topless & Barefoot, Cocoa Karma, and Maple Leaf by DND and mix them a bit with a detail brush. Use gently to make sure that the marbling does not become smeared. Polish off on the top with a milky paint.
This manicure makes me feel like I am on the weekend- the weekend where you have nothing to do but still need to feel good. It’s warm, modern, and perfectly imperfect. This is the solution, in case you like neutrals but you are already tired of plain beige.
Bold Brushstroke Abstracts on a Matte Canvas
When the fall color and pure creativity collide, you receive this masterpiece of a manicure. Imagine it to be like modern art on your fingertips, one nail at a time, but all of them connected by the bold, confident strokes of the brush. There is cobalt, lilac, mint, pumpkin, fuchsia, and black that crashes and mixes with each other so freely. And the matte base? It makes the saturation sing.
This look is all about layering. You’ll need a matte charcoal or navy base (try Zoya’s “Dovima”) and a rainbow of polishes in crème finishes — go for Essie’s “Play Date” (lavender), “Butler Please” (blue), “Mojito Madness” (green), “Meet Me at Sunset” (orange), and a bright white for pop. Apply the shades with dry brushing or nail art striping brushes to make fast, expressive brush strokes.
I adore this type of design when I do not feel like matching anything and do not want to. It is funny, light-hearted and completely tolerant when you are doing it yourself. I wore something similar on a visit to Portland, and even strangers would ask me to take photos of my nails. Wild.
Constellation Lines Over a Midnight Sky
This high-fashion look adds some class to short navy nails. The white linear pattern crosses each nail like little constellations – not too literal but just suggestive. It is broody and smooth, as roof-top stargazing in the early fall. This is one of the best picks if you like nail art but you need something that could be discreet enough to wear to the office.
As a base, use the After School Boy Blazer by Essie or Midnight Cami in case you just want a touch of shimmer. The white detailing can be completed using striping brush and nail art pen such as The Maniology Double-Ended Detailer. Topcoat with a semi-gloss finish to make the finish soft, rather than shiny.
This one hits when you’re craving a little calm. The polish version of a quiet night in. And when you love minimal fashion, it will fit the entire wardrobe without putting an effort.
Matte Olive Meets Golden Glitter Luxe
Green gets a glam makeover in this high-contrast combo. Half the nails are painted a matte olive — deep, mossy, very “fall walk in the woods” — while the others shine in full-blown champagne glitter. It does not feel costume-y because of the play of texture between the matte and the sparkle. It’s grounded and fun all at once.
Matte green enthusiasts, apply one coat of Suzi – The First Lady of Nails by OPI, top it off with a matte topcoat. To the sparkle, grab ORLY All That Glitters, which is thick and textured without globby fallout. You can do each of the other nails or put them in threes in a twist.
I consider this combo one of my secret weapons when I desire something party-like yet wearable. I wore it to a fall birthday brunch and it was the only thing I did not spill mimosa on. Bonus: it lasts well despite typing or errands after a couple of days.
Glossy Green with Gold-Leaf Black Accent
It is the glam sister of your go-to fall green mani. This combination is a combination of sleek pistachio gel with a black base accent nail on top of which an elaborate gold feather was placed, which is more of a thing that could be found in the sketchbook of a designer. The metallic on black creates a luxe, even couture-y energy to it, especially when combined with the glossy sheen of glossy green.
To achieve this look, begin by using a gel green such as the DND gel polish in the shade of Matcha Milk Tea to create that milky pastel look. The accent nail should be black gel polish and a feather decal or gold foil should be pressed on top of it before curing. It is also possible to hand paint a feather using a metallic nail art pen, but you will have to be patient.
It is an easy choice when I need something that is different but not distracting. It is fancy enough to be elegant but not overdone, like the polished version of a statement earring. Great for date night or a gallery visit (especially if you’re holding a wine glass).
